Pride of place on Naxos goes to the thoughtful, deeply felt reading of the Viola Concerto with the Norwegian viola-player, Lars Anders Tomter. Though Tomter’s tight vibrato is at times prominent, he brings out the tender poetry of this most prominent, he brings out the tender poetry of this most elusive of Walton’s string Concertos, with its mixture of melancholy and wit. More that others, Tomter observes pianissimo markings, and rightly he adopts a flowing speed for the first movement while with delectable pointing acquire extra scherzando sparkle. The Overture is given the most exuberant performance, rivaling the composer’s own, with the orchestra’s soloist playing brilliantly. In the Symphony 2 Paul Daniel gives extra transparency to the often heavy orchestration, among the work less weighty than usual but just as warmly expressive. A superb bargain.

The first in the complete Walton symphonic cycle to appear on Naxos. It features the most exciting young British conductor, Paul Daniel, who has just been named in the prestigious position of Musical Director of English National Opera.

It also introduces to the label the 'young' English Northern Philharmonia. Formed eighteen years ago, it has now established itself as one of the finest orchestras in Europe, its virtuosity bringing unlimited praise for their brilliant concert performances.

The series of recordings is presented with the assistance of the Walton Trust, and this disc features one of Scandinavia's most talked about musicians, the great Lars Anders Tomter, in Walton's gorgeous Viola Concerto.

This quite spectacular recording captures the multitude of orchestral colours in the effervescent Johannesburg Festival Overtures and the Second Symphony.

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